Does Going Gray Lead to a Style Evolution? The Story of My Life in Clothes
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- Опубликовано: 21 май 2022
- When I decided to grow out my natural gray hair, I noticed that I was interested in dressing differently. The clothes I wanted to wear were more colorful and more put together. This has led me to audit my entire closet and look back at my life in clothes. It turns out that letting my hair be itself means that I, too, want to express my self through what I am wearing.
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I think that when you grow out your gray hair you can wear more “youthful” styles without looking desperate or as though you are trying to be 25. I also think it’s natural to go through a style evolution. I wore a lot of warm tones before I grew out my gray hair the first time at 41. Now that I am growing it out a second time, I plan on introducing a lot of color. And a lot more polished outfits.
I 100% agree that you can really play with the tension around expectations for “youthful” styles. I’m craving a little more polish and some more head-to-toe coordinated looks.
A very interesting video. I grew my hair out after the third attempt, at around 55. I’m now 69 and all those who looked at me as if I needed a therapist now rave about my incredible hair! It certainly makes you think about how you wish to appear. Quite exciting really once you embrace the fear.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m still in the early days of my fully-grown-out silver hair, so I love hearing your point of view! I think it’s very exciting, too!
That shirt dress is becoming on you - the colors & pattern. I enjoyed hearing about your work & clothing history. I've always liked wearing a lot of color, with some ruffles & bows. Now I dress more conservatively, because I am age 64. An interesting fact is that my dad picked out our clothes when we were little, although my mom was always there. I ❤
that your mom made clothes for you!
Hi, Denise! Thank you so much for the kind words. That is interesting about your dad ☺️Did your dad have a good eye?
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK Yes, my parents were frugal, but my dad bought good merchandise that lasted..he had good taste!
I have a similar story to yours where my mother was also a seamstress, graying started in middle school. After i realized that i had too much grey to pluck off, i started dying at about the age of 23 or so. I went natural in my 40's with the help of my progressive hair stylist. It felt so empowering but grey hair wasnt popular then especially in the job market for a woman in her mid 50's so I went back to my weekly hair dying mostly because the culture at that time considered grey haired women to to be old or sickly for the workforce. I am now in my early 60's and into my 2nd month of going natural again and am so ready to be a part of the Silver Sister's movement. Since I've been through it before, I have no fear of the journey.
Congratulations on your return to the journey! I don’t blame you for feeling that your gray hair was hurting your career prospects-we know that’s a real risk. It’s not fair, and I hope it changes.
Do you sew at all? I’m hoping to find time to improve my skills.
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK Thanks for Asking! So sweet of you to take time to respond to my comment. Anyhoo, I can sew but I feel that it's too much of a chore to pick out the material and such and take out my sewing machine. Just lazy I guess 😆 My niece sews all her clothes by hand, needle and thread. Now that's a little nuts if you ask me 😆. But she loves it and has created her own style with the amazing garments she's made. I suggest going for it, learn the basics and much like the growing out your grey journey, when it's done, then then it's time to run free!
Loved hearing about your style journey, and the dresses your mother made were beautiful!
Thank you, Cherie! 🥰😘 Her taste is 🤌
I honestly enjoy listening about your journey through personal style. I admire your planning skills around reworking what that is now that you are dressed in beautiful silver hair. I find that what worked for me when my hair was dark just doesn’t work for me now, but I feel almost “lost” when it comes to what direction to go in now. Just becoming comfortable with my grey hair and with aging has been a process, one I’m not finished with but I’m closer. Next comes my personal style. Thanks so much for sharing, it has helped me in my own thoughts for direction.
Brenda, I relate so much to what you say-the feeling of being lost. 💗 I hope that we can all have a fun time finding our way to our unique, authentic styles.
I love how you broke down your different style eras. What a great concept! I really enjoyed hearing about yours. Makes me want discover mine. Thank you for inspiring me. You are so well spoken.💜
I would love to see a video of yours about this! Thank you for the kind words. 🥰😘
Love love love love that top you're wearing. It's so perfect on you!
Thank you! I love a classic shirt 💗
Beth - it is a holiday Monday where I am, and I have treated myself to the time to enjoy the video before getting work done. Your story is fascinating. I too am at a style juncture with my new hair colour. This week is convocation week, so I am heading to 5 different events - first time wearing heels and nice dresses in 2 years. I cannot hide my grey hair up on that stage. I am excited to get the dresses back on and choose which ones really suit me now. Thank you for posting your video - I have a backlog to catch up on.
Nancy, I am honored to be able to help you relax and enjoy a day off! That’s the highest compliment you could give me 🥰🥰
How exciting to be thrust back into the swing of things with five events! I had a last minute invitation to an event on Saturday and I had so much fun getting myself together for it-heels and all. Enjoy!
Great video! Love the topic! Made me think.
Your hair color, texture and style is stunning!
Thanks! 😊
Your hair texture looks amazing here🖤
Thanks! I’m reconnecting with my texture. It’s more intense now that it’s healthy.
Thanks for sharing Beth !
Thanks for watching, Elisabeth 🥰
Love listening to You Beth! Cant wait to see Your shopping! I' ve been also in a phase for building my closet into more feminine, stylish, edgy, unique pieces for a mature woman . I do it slowly but at the same time think twice before I buy anything. Vintage direction is a great choice! I love it....Unfortunately we dont have a lot of choice here whre I live so that I try to look for it in different shops and combine it together ....its also fun :)
Thank you, Katie! 🥰😛 it’s interesting to hear that you’re experiencing a bit of an evolution, too. I know what you mean about vintage availability. Where I live has a pretty good selection. A couple of years back my husband gave me a red plaid trapeze coat from the 1960’s and I love it, but I haven’t had the nerve to wear it yet. I think it needs just the right black tights and patent leather loafers. I definitely like mixing vintage in with contemporary clothes. 🥰😘
Loved the video! It made me think of my early career days - as a dietitian in a hospital, I wore a lab coat and business casual attire. I got most of it from Talbots and Lord & Taylor. (early 90's- shoulder pads and all!) I remember matching my shoes and stockings as well (off white shoes and stockings in summer, navy or black shoes with corresponding hose in winter!!!) My husband taught me about investing in higher quality items that last longer (he wore his $350 leather loafers for 10 or 12 years = $35 per year!!!) Now as I grow out my gray, I'm gravitating toward silvers, grays, purples and navy blues; and prints with these colors. But I still love the Talbot's skinny ankle pants- and I still have their credit card !lol! Keep up the good work :)
Thank you, Jennifer! I 100% remember hose matching 😂 I’m still confused about what’s acceptable and what’s not with hosiery in the workplace.
Yes to good shoes. 🤩 They really do last forever and are often worth it!
Absolutely love your gorgeous hair!
Thank you, Kimi! 🥰😘
It's cool how you change the design of your letters and the background in the title. That allows you to continue to incorporate those video skills you learned. I wish that I wasn't so lazy at times lol. Good job on that!
Aw, thank you! I like to capture little nature moments when I have them and share them 💖
I love your hair! I stopped coloring at around 46 years old I'm 52 now but my hair is still mostly black. I do have a lot of gray but most people think I have highlights. I can't wait until my hair looks like yours!
Thank you, Kat Kat! 🥰😘🥰😘
Very interesting video. Excellent analysis of your life in style. I’ve never really thought about it that much! My Mom made my clothes too, mostly to be frugal, and because I’m tall and could never find proper fitting clothes.
I HATED wearing dresses as a child! Actually it wasn’t so much the dresses but the “leotards” or pantyhose that went with them. Ugh!! I would go to elementary school on -20°C days wearing a dress and only knee socks! I remember this one teacher who always yelled at me because she thought I would freeze to death!!
Hi, Shelley! Thank you for your kind words! I grew up with winters like that, too. I would wear snow pants over my dresses 😂
I really enjoyed this video. I have always struggled with fashion. I think I let other people try to influence me and so I never dressed how I wanted to. I am trying to remedy that now. I am also trying to become better at garment sewing and really love the sewing community here on RUclips and on Instagram as well. My mother was a professional seamstress and she was amazing. I wish I had learned from her but I loved having her sew for me so I didn’t take advantage of her incredible knowledge.
Oh, wow! Your mother had all of the skills 😍 have you ever looked into the Kibbe body typing system? It groups body types basically by height and angles (sharp or soft). If you can generally locate where your body fits on the spectrum the system suggests clothing that harmonizes with your natural lines. I’ve found that to be fascinating and illuminating.
Hi Beth. Your hair looks incredible. I love it wavy.
I can so relate to your early childhood. My mom also was an artist. She loved dress making, and could knit and crochet some of the most beautiful sweaters. Gosh, when I was in grade school, we weren't even permitted to wear pants to school.
My early 20s were also spent in corporate America. J. Crew was the way to go. All the formal suits and heels.
I give you so much credit for sticking to your "No Buy."
I love hearing about your background. Such an interesting life. Your mom sounds incredible.
I've definitely changed my style in the last few years. Much more casual, and comfy. Looser fitting jeans, cargo pants, and soft sweaters and free people sweatshirts.
As usual, your video was very interesting and informative. Enjoy your Sunday and best wishes for a great upcoming week. ❤💖😍
Hi, Rene! Yes, we were both so lucky to have talented mothers with enough capacity to create. My mother is probably going to watch this while knitting 😂😂.
Thank you so much for your kinds words. This No Buy has been really annoying at times 😜 but it’s good for me. I’m still get all worked up with I browse beautiful things on-line but now I recognize it more easily.
Your new style sounds so chic and comfortable. Free People makes beautiful clothes!
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK I only wish I inherited her creativity. My brother is an architect, and as far back as I can remember, he was always drawing. I'm lucky if I can draw a stick figure!
I've always been a FP fan. I love the boho style. I need to be dressed comfortably, so I can get down on the floor and play with my grandson. He's one great workout, LOL.
I so appreciate you and your channel. I'm grateful that I found you. Stay well and safe. The world has turned into one that I don't recognize. Here's to hoping for better changes. 💗💗
Thank you, Rene 💞 I feel the same way lately and it weighs on my heart. All we can do is love those around us. 💖 please stay safe out there, too.
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK thank you, Beth. 💞
I can so relate to your childhood days (born ‘74) having a creative mom who is into fashion and loves dressing up her daughter!👌😅
I did not remember exactly but my mom recently told me that I always wanted to wear dresses and was truly a girly-girl!;p
Absolutely loved the 90s (which started my love for vintage as well!) and even Y2K fashion (although we all know those had some gringe moments for sure!; )
Unfortunately it is now just finally sinking in for me .. the whole quality over quantity principal - so I have lots of sorting out to do!
I would say the last 6+ years I’ve only shopped at Salvation Army or Goodwill as not only did my budget not allow for much more at that time - but also with an already stuffed closet, I only felt like I could allow myself something new if it’s dirt cheap!
(.. those 5 items for $5 deals..)
Looks like that’s the stuff getting sorted out first now!😏
Refocusing on beloved essentials versus random comfort!: )
Your video as always was very inspiring, LOVE the dress on you!!🥰
I am LIVING for your comments!! The impulse to wear girly clothes seems to be innate-not everyone has it. I know for those that do not, it can feel like a imposition or out of harmony. But for me, it was what I wanted most. I loved the 90’s, too. I was class of 96 (my brother was 92) and I am forever in love with those sleek Calvin Klein dresses and Donna Karan casual looks from that era 😍😍😍 the quality thing is really sinking now that clothes are so much cheaper and made to be disposable. Thrift and consignment were really important to me when my budget was super tight (teaching with student loans 💸). Now I spend roughly an average amount for an American, just in fewer things.
I’m answering some questions from another comment-but I’m from Minneapolis originally an moved to Detroit in 2014-I felt called to be here and have not regretted it for a second. It’s absolutely a hidden gem 💎 and it has come to feel like home to me.
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK -
Awww, thank you Beth❣️
I enjoy dwelling a bit in nostalgia and feel we were really lucky as GenX to be living through those cool eras!:p
I have to admit I can be a bit of a hoarder - especially what clothing concerns - and I actually have quite a few pieces from that time, just need to go through them (mostly stored away in tubs; ) and either revive or probably better, list them on Ebay SOON as now would possibly be the best (and only?) time to actually sell those pieces!
As Donna Karan (and Calvin Klein) was quite expensive and not as available in Germany back then, I ended up grabbing some pieces on eBay later on ~mid 2000’s - definitely more timeless!: )
And to come back to the “girly” part,
when I was 11 years old, I insisted on chopping off my below-waist length hair (only keeping a hideous “rat tail” in back, dyed purple🙈)!
Made my mom shed some tears and since at that age I was not messing with blow dry styling it UP (the true look I wanted from the inspiration pic) it looked WAYYY too boyish and I ended up regretting it quickly and could not wait for it to grow long again!!😬
And lastly, you being from Minneapolis makes me think of Prince, who my mom’s a HUGE fan off (besides Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks etc. - the list is looong as she’s such a Disco Queen and another major reason why my childhood was so much fun!;p
I love that we share our excitement for Detroit and I feel strongly that the people who move here from elsewhere have this calling and add to this specialness✨ here!! := )
Hi Beth, really enjoyed your views on clothing 😎 when I worked for 30 years in the Canadian government I wore a lot of different coloured suits, very feminine but business like. When I retired I gave all my suits to charity. Now retired for 12 years, it’s all about relaxed, comfortable clothing but also very feminine. In the summer months I love wearing dresses. I don’t believe that since I transitioned to my silver hair that my style or colours have changed. Have a great week 🙏🏼🤗.
Hello, Louise! Thank you! 🥰😘Yes, the government sector has a very similar dress code. Did you ever find it challenging to find workwear that you liked? It's interesting that you don't think your hair transition changed your style, but it really sounds like retirement was the key. I wonder how much working more from home has been at play here, too.
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK Hi Beth, being slim most of my life made it easy to find clothes that I liked but being a single mom of two, I always looked for deals and still do 😁👌
@@louisealain780 yes, I’m sure you were juggling a lot in that position! I have no doubt that you deserve a long and happy retirement 🥰😘
Just one word WOW
😊 thank you, Adderly
I love your blouse in this video. Can I ask wear you got it? TY
Yes, this is actually a shirtdress from Zara-I can’t remember when I bought it but it’s cotton and I wear it a lot. 🥰😘
Hearing how you had to tamp down your individuality during that time in your career made me sad for you. I’m a manager at a 911 dispatch center, so I’m part of administration, but it’s a pretty casual environment. I will also default to black and gray, but I try to step outside of my comfort zone. I love jewel tones, too.
You should definitely start sewing again! My mom would sew a dress for me and a coordinating blouse for her when I was little. She’s super creative and is great at crocheting, knitting, etc. During the pandemic, I sewed masks for everyone in my life (before masks were available). It made me feel like I was contributing to the greater good and it’s a fun past time. I make things like burp cloths and bibs when someone has a baby. I think people appreciate the time and effort, not to mention the customized nature of gifts like that.
I love that you sew! Those early days of the pandemic were so scary, and making masks was absolutely an act of love and service. That time led me to get a new sewing machine later that year because I felt like it was time to reclaim that skill (the machine is still in its box)
Thanks for your kind words about that period of my work history. It was really hard, honestly, and I’m glad it’s behind me. I work in Municpal administration now, too! Still real estate, but now in the service/econ development/planning space. My coworkers are more widely diverse now and have fascinating interests, so it’s more fun to connect with my colleagues now. You must see it all in your role. Thank you for your service. 🥰I know it’s not easy.
Loved this chat about your fashion evolution.
Firstly, I can't believe you are 43! I thought you were in your mid 30's. Your skin is flawless.
I like you, used to wear a lot of black but since going grey/silver and approaching 60 next month, I have found black to be too harsh and find navy more forgiving. I am also like you, starting to choose brighter colours that I haven't worn for years. It's quite an experiment when you have been a brunette all your life and are now silver/grey. It's fun though and I think sometimes it's good to reinvent yourself or at least try new things.
I couldn’t agree more about needing to reinvent yourself every so often!! I honestly feel as though that’s what’s underway 🤩.
Thank you for the kind words! 🥰😘🥰😘
HI BETH have fun sewing again ! friend connie
Thanks, Connie! I will share any projects I manage to get into. 🥰😘
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK ok
Wow you're work environment where you had to be very professional sounded like one of my later jobs in life and when I decided to let my hair go Gray so did my job... it ended!
Yes, I don’t think they would have been supportive. When I went from a warm Beyoncé blonde to auburn they were extremely uncomfortable with that choice.
@@InfinitegardenbyBethK Wow! Sad!
I love ,,love your hair,,beautiful...
Thank you, Brenda! 😘
That is so ironic that you feel more visible as a silver haired beauty. My hair is 40% silver and dark brown and I feel as I’ve aged naturally without coloring my hair, I have become invisible.
Tara, that is interesting. I felt as though I blended in more before.